Methods and apparatus for selecting image enhancement techniques

ABSTRACT

A memory integrated into a removable cartridge for an image forming device is formatted to store a state variable reflecting a state of a printing component. A method embodiment includes reading the state variable. An image enhancement technique, selected according to the state variable, is implemented. In another embodiment, the memory contains technique selection criteria. The technique selection criteria is processed with the state variable to select a template set identifying one or more image enhancement techniques.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Image forming devices such as laser printers, copy machines, andfacsimile machines employ electro photographic processes to produceprinted images on paper or other print media. In laser printers, asource image is rasterized to form a bitmap image for subsequentrendering to a final printed image. A source image can include a numberof elements. Examples include text, line art, and/or continuous tone orgraphic elements such as a photo. When a source image is rasterizedcreating a bitmap image, the various elements are converted to pixelpatterns that approximate the source image.

[0002] Once a bitmap image is generated from a source image, it can beprinted by modulating and scanning a laser beam across a charged surfaceof a photoconductive drum in a succession of scan lines. Each scan lineis divided into pixel areas, and the modulated laser beam causes somepixel areas to be exposed to a light pulse and some not. Where a pixelarea is illuminated, the photosensitive drum is discharged so that, whenit is subsequently toned, the toner adheres to the discharged areas andis repelled by the still charged areas. The toner adhering to thedischarged areas is then transferred and fixed to paper or other printmedia.

[0003] Because of its digital nature, a printed bitmap image does notperfectly reflect the source image. For example, printed image edgesthat are either not parallel and not perpendicular to the scan directionof the laser can appear stepped or jagged. This is especially noted fortext and line art. Because resolution is also limited, a bitmaprepresentation of a graphical element such as a photo can appeardegraded.

[0004] Various image enhancement techniques have been developed toimprove the quality of a printed bitmap image. These enhancementtechniques include: edge smoothing, fine line broadening, anti-aliasing,and resolution doubling. In a laser printer for example, one or moretechniques can, when implemented, modulate the laser to produce a pixelsmaller than a standard pixel size. The techniques may also indicatethat the laser output is to be offset from the pixel center. Parametersfor a particular image enhancement technique can dictate pixel size andoffset position.

[0005] In addition to improving the quality of printed images, printermanufacturers are also faced with reducing the cost associated withprinting those images. One of the more significant operation costs of aprinter is that of imaging material such as toner and ink. Recognizingthis, various imaging enhancement techniques have been developed in aneffort to conserve imaging material.

[0006] The various moving components of an image forming device,especially the photoconductive drum, wear and degrade through use. Useexposes the photoconductive drum to paper and toner particles that canleave scratches on the drum's surface. Scratches reduce the effectiveresolution of the drum. For example, when the drum is exposed to alaser, a larger than intended area of the drum may be discharged becauseof a scratch. Use can also cause the photoconductive drum to “thin.”Thinning is caused by ozone which results from the electrical chargeused to “erase” the photoconductive drum after each page is printed. Theozone reacts with the surface material of a photoconductive drum causingthe drum to thin over time. As it becomes thinner, a photoconductivedrum becomes less effective in maintaining a charge differential betweenthose parts of the drum that are exposed to a laser and those parts thatare not.

[0007] In many image forming devices, the photoconductive drum isintegrated in a cartridge that also serves as a reservoir for toner.When the toner is depleted, the cartridge can be removed from the imageforming device and replaced. The rated life of a cartridge can bemeasured by the amount of toner it holds. In other words, the componentsof the cartridge are designed to, at a minimum, outlast the toner.Photoconductive drums are designed to enable printing for the rated lifeof the cartridge such that thinning and scratching usually do not affectprint quality.

[0008] Modern image forming devices are capable of producing pixels assmall as {fraction (1/600)}th of an inch. However, image enhancementtechniques can modulate the laser at the sub-pixel level. Manytechniques are capable of modulating the laser at {fraction (1/64)}th ofa pixel—producing a dot as small as {fraction (1/38,400)}th of an inch.When modulating the laser at {fraction (1/38,400)}ths of an inch theminor changes in the photoconductor become significant—sometimes causingimage enhancement techniques to degrade rather than improve the qualityof printed output.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the physical and logicalcomponents of an exemplary image forming device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of exemplary cartridge anddevice printing components of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation exemplary cartridge anddevice printing components of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0012]FIG. 4 schematically illustrates state variables stored incartridge memory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 5 schematically illustrates programming and other data storedin device memory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of template setselection logic in the form of a look-up table according to anembodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 7 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating steps taken printusing a selected image enhancement technique or techniques according toan embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] INTRODUCTION: Many image enhancement techniques involve directlycontrolling the hardware components responsible for producing a printedimage. In a laser printer for example, a given technique may guide themodulation and deflection of a laser in order to improve the resolutionof the printed image. When the limited life components wear throughcontinued use, these image enhancement techniques can become lesseffective and can even degrade the printed image. To help maintainconsistent print quality, image enhancement techniques and/or parametersfor implementing those techniques are selected based upon the extent towhich the limited life components of an image forming device have beenused.

[0017] The terms image forming device, image enhancement techniques, andlimited life components are used throughout the following description.An image forming device is any device that can produce a printed imageon paper or any other print media. Examples include, ink printers, laserprinters, facsimile machines, copiers, and all-in-one or multi-functionprinters. Image enhancement techniques include any techniques that canimprove the quality of printed output as well as any techniques that canreduce the amount of consumables such as toner or ink toner used toproduce the printed output. Selecting an image enhancement technique caninvolve selecting a particular technique and/or selecting parameters forimplementing a technique. Limited life components are those componentsof an image forming device that degrade or wear though use such that thewear can affect print quality. Often, limited life components areintegrated within a cartridge along with consumables such as ink ortoner. The cartridge, then, is removable and replaceable.

[0018] COMPONENTS: The physical and logical components of variousembodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to theblock diagrams of FIGS. 1-6. FIG. 1 schematically depicts an exemplaryimage forming device referenced as image forming device 10 with anexemplary cartridge referenced as cartridge 12. Cartridge 12 representsgenerally any apparatus supplying one or more components needed by imageforming device 10 to produce a printed image. Preferably, cartridge 12can be easily removed from image forming device 10 and replaced.Cartridge 12 can then provide the limited life components. Whencartridge 12 reaches the end of its useful life, it can be replacedsupplying new components so that image forming device 10 can continue tobe used. More detailed examples of cartridge 12 are described below withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, cartridge 12 includes reservoir 14, cartridgeprinting components 16, cartridge memory 18, and cartridge I/O(Input/Output) logic 20. Reservoir 14 represents generally anycompartment for holding and dispensing imaging material such as ink ortoner. Cartridge printing components 16 represent hardware capable ofbeing used to help produce a printed image using imaging material fromreservoir 14. Cartridge printing components 16 can be limited lifecomponents. Cartridge memory 18 represents generally any single memorydevice or combination of memory devices. Cartridge memory 18 can be orinclude a rewritable, persistent storage apparatus, including flashmemory, EEPROM, battery backed RAM, magnetic media, and optical magneticmedia. Cartridge I/O logic 20 represents any combination of hardwareand/or programming that enables communication with memory 18.

[0020] Image forming device 10 also includes device printing components22, device memory 24, device I/O logic 26, and CPU (Central ProcessingUnit) 28. Device printing components 22, when used in conjunction withcartridge printing components 16, represent hardware capable ofdispensing a consumable from reservoir 14 onto print media in the formof a desired print image. The printed image can include any combinationof text and/or graphics. Device memory 24 represents any memory deviceor combination of memory devices that can store programming and otherdata used to guide cartridge and device printing components 16 and 22 inthe production of a printed image. Device I/O logic 26 representsgenerally any combination of hardware and/or programming that enablesprogramming stored in device memory 24 to communicate with cartridge I/Ologic 20 to access cartridge memory 18. Device I/O logic 26 isresponsible for both reading data from and writing data to cartridgememory 18. CPU 28 represents any processor capable of executinginstructions from programming stored in device memory 24 and cartridgememory 18. At least some of the executed instructions guide cartridgeand device printing components 16 and 22 to form a desired image onprint media.

[0021]FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate two different exemplary cartridge types.In FIG. 2, cartridge 12 is a toner cartridge 12A. In FIG. 3, cartridge12 is an ink cartridge 12B. In the example of FIG. 2, cartridge printingcomponents 16 include photoconductive drum 16A, charging device 16B,developer 16C, and wiper 16D. FIG. 2, also shows device printingcomponents 22 which include laser 22A, charge rollers 22B, fuser rollers22C, and discharge lamp 22D.

[0022] In operation, charging device 16B places a uniform electrostaticcharge on photoconductive drum 16A. Light from laser 22A is scannedacross photoconductive drum 16A in a pattern of a desired print image.Where exposed to the light, photoconductive drum 16A is dischargedcreating an electrostatic version of the desired print image. Developer16 transfers charged toner particles from toner reservoir 14A tophotoconductive drum 16A. The charged toner particles are repelled bythe charged portions of photoconductive drum 16A but adhere to thedischarged portions. Charge roller 22B charges or discharges media sheet30. As media sheet passes across photoconductive drum 16A, tonerparticles are then transferred from photoconductive drum 16A to mediasheet 30. Fuser rollers, thermally fix the transferred toner particlesto media sheet 30. Discharge lamp 22D removes the remaining charge onphotoconductive drum 16A, and wiper 16D removes any residual tonerparticles remaining on photoconductive drum 16A.

[0023] In the example of FIG. 3, device printing components 16 of inkcartridge 12B includes print head 16E. Device printing components 22include drive 22E. In operation, print head 16E selectively ejects inkfrom reservoir 14 onto media sheet 30 according to a desired printimage. Drive 22E selectively moves and positions the print head 16Erelative to media sheet 30 such that the ejected ink forms the desiredprint image.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, cartridge memory 18 is formatted tocontain state variables 32-36 and technique selection criteria 37. Statevariables 32-36 are generally a collection of variables used to assistin selecting image enhancement techniques. State variable 32-36 areperiodically updated so that different image enhancement techniques areselected at different times over the life of cartridge 12 and, morespecifically, over the limited life of cartridge printing components 16.State variables 32- 36 are variables that in some manner reflect the ageor wear of cartridge printing components 16. With reference to FIG. 2, agiven state variable 32 may represent the amount of toner remaining inreservoir 14. Another state variable 34 may represent the duration thatphotoconductor drum 16A has been exposed to laser 22A and/or dischargelamp 22D. Another state variable 36 may reflect the number of pagesprinted using cartridge 12. Technique selection criteria 37 representselectronic data that can be processed with one or more state variables32-36, to select one or more image enhancement techniques. Differentimage enhancement techniques are selected as the values of statevariables 32-36 change.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 5, device memory 24 contains template sets38-42, technique selection logic 44, technique execution logic 46, statemonitor 48, and printing logic 50. Each template sets 38-42 representscriteria for selecting an image enhancement technique or for selectingfrom among image enhancement techniques. The phrase “selecting an imageenhancement technique” can mean selecting a particular image enhancementtechnique or selecting parameters for implementing an image enhancementtechnique. The phrase “selecting from among image enhancementtechniques” can mean selecting a particular image enhancement techniquefrom a plurality of techniques or selecting a parameter or parametersfrom a plurality of parameters for implementing an image enhancementtechnique. As an example, each template set 38-42 may include one ormore conditions. Associated with each condition is data identifying oneor more image enhancement techniques and/or parameters for implementingthe technique or techniques. A condition is a circumstance that when metindicates the image enhancement technique(s) and any parameter(s)associated with that condition are to be implemented. The following areexamples of conditions and associated techniques.

[0026] A condition may be met upon determining that text or line art isbeing printed. That condition could be associated with an imageenhancement technique for edge smoothing.

[0027] A condition may be met upon determining that a halftone image isbeing printed. That condition could be associated with an imageenhancement technique for improving halftone images.

[0028] A condition may be met upon determining that a solid area isbeing printed. That condition could be associated with an imageenhancement technique for conserving imaging material.

[0029] By way of example, identified image enhancement techniquesidentified by template sets 32-36 may include anti-aliasing, resolutionenhancement, resolution doubling, halftone enhancement, and tonerconservation. Template set 38, for example, may identify all availableimage enhancement techniques and/or parameters most demanding oncartridge printing components 16. Template set 40 may identify allavailable image enhancement techniques and/or parameters less demandingon cartridge printing components 16. Template set 42 may not identifyall available image enhancement techniques. For those it does identify,it may specify parameters that are least demanding on cartridge printingcomponents 16.

[0030] Technique selection logic 44 represents generally any programmingcapable of processing technique selection criteria 37 to select imageenhancement techniques. It is noted that selecting a technique caninvolve selecting the particular technique and/or parameters forimplementing that technique. Where selected image enhancement techniquesare identified by a particular template set 38, 40, or 42, techniqueselection logic 44 is responsible for processing technique selectioncriteria 37 to select template set 38, 40, or 42. Using the exampleabove, where state variables 32-36 indicate that cartridge 12 is new orhas been minimally used, technique selection criteria 37 will indicatethat template set 38 is to be selected. Where state variables 32-36reveal that cartridge 12 is beginning to wear and that wear affects theoperation of cartridge 12, technique selection criteria 37 will indicatethat template set 40 is to be selected. Finally, where state variables32-36 reveal that cartridge 12 is well worn with minimal useful liferemaining, technique selection criteria 37 will indicate that templateset 42 is to be selected.

[0031] Technique execution logic 46 represents generally any programmingcapable of implementing an image enhancement technique. Techniqueexecution logic 56 may perform this function by enhancing an image byselectively implementing image enhancement techniques. Where selectedimage enhancement techniques are identified by a particular template set38, 40, or 42, technique execution logic 46 is responsible for executingthat template set 38, 40, or 42. In doing so, technique execution logic46 determines when a condition in a template set 38, 40, or 42 is metand then implements the image enhancement technique(s) and parameter(s)associated with that condition. It may be determined that more than onecondition has been met at a given time.

[0032] Technique execution logic 46, depending on a selected templateset 38, 40, or 42, can digitally enhance a rasterized image before it isprinted and it can enhance a printed image in real time by affecting theoperation of printing components 16 and/or 22 as the image is beingprinted. Preferably, real time aspects of technique execution logic 46,such as those that directly affect the modulation and deflection oflaser 22A (FIG. 2), are performed using circuit level logic such as anASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0033] State monitor 48 represents generally any combination of hardwareand/or programming capable of monitoring the state of cartridge printingcomponents 16 and updating state variables 32-36 accordingly. Withreference to FIG. 2, state monitor 48 may be capable of identifying theamount of toner remaining in reservoir 14 and updating state variable 32to reflect the identified amount. State monitor 48 may be able to updatestate variable 32 to reflect the duration that photoconductor drum 16Ahas been exposed to laser 22A and/or discharge lamp 22D. State monitor48 may be able to update state variable 36 to reflect the number ofpages printed during the life of cartridge printing components 16.

[0034] Printing logic 50 represent generally any programming capable ofcontrolling the production of a printed page. Printing logic 50 isresponsible for using technique selection logic 44 to select a templateset 38, 40, or 42, using technique execution logic 46 to execute theselected template set 38, 40, or 42, and using cartridge and deviceprinting components 16 and 22 to generate printed output.

[0035] State variables 32-36, shown in FIG. 4, could instead be storedin device memory 24, shown in FIG. 5. Preferably, state variables 32-36are stored in cartridge memory 18. If cartridge 12 is removed from imageforming device 10 and inserted into a different image forming device(not shown) then state variables 32-36 remain with cartridge 12. Wherestate variables 32-36 are stored in device memory 24, they do not followcartridge 12 when it is removed and used elsewhere. Template sets 38-42,technique selection logic 44, and/or technique execution logic 46 may bestored in cartridge memory 18 and then loaded into device memory 24 tobe utilized by printing logic 48 as needed.

[0036]FIG. 6 illustrates an example of technique selection criteria 37implemented in look-up table 37A. Lookup table 37A includes entries 52to be processed by technique selection logic 44 to select a template set38, 40, or 42. Each entry 52 includes data in a priority field 54, in astate condition field 56, and in a template set identifier field 58. Thedata in priority fields 54 of entries 52 dictate the order in whichentries 52 are to be processed. The data in each state condition field56 sets a condition relating to the current value or values of one ormore state variables 32-36. The data in each template set identifierfield 58 identifies a particular template set 38, 40, or 42.

[0037] To select a template set 38, 40, or 42, technique selection logic44 processes entries 52 in a hierarchical order dictated by priorityfield 54 data of entries 52. When processing a given entry 52, techniqueselection logic 44 determines if a condition required by data in statecondition field 56 for that entry 52 is being met. If that condition isbeing met, technique selection logic 44 selects the template set 38, 40,or 42 identified by data in template set identifier field 58 for thatentry 52. Technique selection logic 44 then stops processing furtherentries 62. If the condition is not being met, technique selection logic44 continues processing subsequent entries 52 in an order dictated bypriority field 54 data.

[0038] The block diagrams of FIGS. 1-5 show the architecture,functionality, and operation of various implementations of the presentinvention. Each block may represent in whole or in part a module,segment, or portion of code that comprises one or more executableinstructions to implement the specified logical function(s). Each blockmay represent a circuit or a number of interconnected circuits toimplement the specified logical function(s).

[0039] Also, the present invention can be embodied in anycomputer-readable media for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system such as a computer/processor based system or an ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or other system that can fetchor obtain the logic from computer-readable media and execute theinstructions contained therein. “Computer-readable media” can be anymedia that can contain, store, or maintain programs and data for use byor in connection with the instruction execution system. Computerreadable media can comprise any one of many physical media such as, forexample, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, orsemiconductor media. More specific examples of suitablecomputer-readable media include, but are not limited to, a portablemagnetic computer diskette such as floppy diskettes or hard drives, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory, or a portable compact disc.

[0040] OPERATION: The operation of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 7. FIG. 7illustrates steps taken to print an image using image enhancementtechniques selected and implemented according to state variables storedin cartridge memory 18.

[0041] Image forming device 10 is initialized (step 60). Initializingmay involve turning on or resetting image forming device 10, or it mayinvolve sending or receiving a print job. Where image forming device 10is a laser or ink printer, step 60 may involve receiving a print jobfrom a word processor running on a connected computer. Where imageforming device 10 is a copier, step 60 may involve receivinginstructions to print a scanned document. Next state variables are read(step 62) and a template set is selected (step 64). With reference toFIG. 5, steps 62 and 64 may be accomplished by technique selection logic44. In completing step 64, technique selection logic 44 can selecttemplate set 38, 40, or 42 using technique selection criteria 37.

[0042] A print job or jobs are then printed using the selected templateset (step 66). Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 5, printing logic directscartridge and device printing components 16 and 22 to produce a printedimage while directing technique execution logic 46 to enhance theprinted image by implementing the template set 38, 40, or 42 selected instep 56.

[0043] The state of cartridge 12 is monitored (step 68). For example,step 60 can involve identifying a toner or ink level. It can involvemeasuring the use of cartridge printing components 16 such as theduration to which photoconductive drum 16A has been exposed to laser 22Aas well as the number of printed pages. State variables 32- 36 areupdated accordingly (step 70).

[0044] Although the flow chart of FIG. 7 shows a specific order ofexecution, the order of execution may differ from that which isdepicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks maybe scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shownin succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence.All such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] CONCLUSION: The present invention has been shown and describedwith reference to the foregoing exemplary embodiments. It is to beunderstood, however, that other forms, details, and embodiments may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention whichis defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer readable medium integrated into aremovable cartridge for an image forming device, the medium beingprogrammed with technique selection criteria capable of being processedto select an image enhancement technique.
 2. The medium of claim 1,wherein the technique selection criteria comprises a look-up tablecontaining an entry having data representing a state condition and dataidentifying a template set that identifies the image enhancementtechnique.
 3. The medium of claim 2, wherein the medium is formatted tostore a state variable that can be used to determine if the statecondition is being met.
 4. The medium of claim 1, wherein the techniqueselection criteria comprises a look-up table containing a plurality ofentries, each entry having data representing a state condition and dataidentifying a template set that identifies one or more image enhancementtechniques.
 5. The medium of claim 4, wherein the medium is formatted tostore a plurality of state variables that can be used to determine ifone or more of the state conditions is or are being met.
 6. A removablecartridge for an image forming device, comprising: a printing componentthat can be utilized by the image forming device to assist in producinga printed image; and a memory programmed to contain technique selectioncriteria and formatted to store a state variable reflecting a state ofthe printing component.
 7. The removable cartridge of claim 6, furthercomprising a reservoir for holding imaging material, and wherein theprinting component can be utilized by the image forming device to assistin producing a printed image using imaging material from the reservoir.8. The removable cartridge of claim 6, wherein the technique selectioncriteria includes electronic data to be used to select an imageenhancement technique based on the value of a state variable stored inthe memory.
 9. The removable cartridge of claim 6, wherein the techniqueselection criteria comprises a look-up table containing an entry withdata representing a state condition and data identifying a template set.10. The removable cartridge of claim 6, wherein the technique selectioncriteria comprises a look-up table containing a plurality of entries,each entry having data representing a state condition and dataidentifying a template set.
 11. A removable cartridge for an imageforming device, comprising: printing components that can be utilized bythe image forming device to assist in producing a printed image; and amemory programmed to contain technique selection criteria and formattedto store state variables each reflecting a state of one or more printingcomponents.
 12. The removable cartridge of claim 11, further comprisinga reservoir for holding imaging material, and wherein the printingcomponents can be utilized by the image forming device to assist inproducing a printed image using imaging material from the reservoir. 13.The removable cartridge of claim 11, wherein the technique selectioncriteria includes electronic data to be used to select an imageenhancement technique based on the value of a state variable stored inthe memory.
 14. The removable cartridge of claim 11, wherein thetechnique selection criteria comprises a look-up table containing anentry with data representing a state condition and data identifying atemplate set, the template set identifying one or more image enhancementtechniques.
 15. The removable cartridge of claim 11, wherein thetechnique selection criteria comprises a look-up table containing aplurality of entries, each entry having data representing a statecondition and data identifying a template set, the template setidentifying one or more image enhancement techniques.
 16. An imageenhancement method, comprising: obtaining a state variable reflecting astate of a printing component; selecting an image enhancement techniqueaccording to the obtained state variable; and implementing the selectedimage enhancement technique.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinselecting includes selecting a parameter for implementing the imageenhancement technique and implementing includes implementing the imageenhancement technique according to the parameters.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein selecting includes processing technique selectioncriteria to select the image enhancement technique.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein selecting includes processing technique selectioncriteria stored in memory integrated into a cartridge to select theimage enhancement technique.
 20. The method of claim 16, whereinselecting comprises: choosing a template set according to a value of thestate variable and choosing an image enhancement technique identified bythe chosen template set.
 21. The method of claim 16, further comprisingmonitoring the state of the printing component and updating the statevariable.
 22. The method of claim 16, wherein: obtaining a statevariable comprises obtaining a plurality of state variables eachreflecting the state of a printing component; and selecting an imageenhancement technique comprises selecting an image enhancement techniqueaccording to the obtained state variables.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein selecting an image enhancement technique comprises selecting aset of image enhancement techniques according to the obtained statevariables.
 24. The method of claim 16 wherein obtaining a state variablecomprises obtaining a state variable from a memory integrated into acartridge, wherein the state variable reflects the state of a printingcomponent supplied by the cartridge, the method further comprisingmonitoring the state of the printing component in order to update thestate variable.
 25. A method for selecting image enhancement techniques,comprising: providing a cartridge having printing components and amemory, the memory formatted to store state variables each reflecting astate of one or more of the printing components; monitoring the state ofthe printing components; updating one or more of the state variables inthe memory to reflect the monitored state or states of one or more ofthe printing components; and selecting a set of image enhancementtechniques according to the state variables.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein: providing includes providing a cartridge programmed withtechnique selection criteria; and selecting comprises processing thetechnique selection criteria to select a template set.
 27. A computerreadable medium having instructions for: obtaining a state variablereflecting a state of a printing component; selecting an imageenhancement technique according to the obtained state variable; andimplementing the selected image enhancement technique.
 28. The medium ofclaim 27, wherein the instructions for selecting include instructionsfor selecting a parameter for implementing the image enhancementtechnique and the instructions for implementing include instructions forimplementing the image enhancement technique according to theparameters.
 29. The medium of claim 27, wherein the instruction forselecting includes instructions for processing technique selectioncriteria to select the image enhancement technique.
 30. The medium ofclaim 27, wherein the instructions for selecting include instructionsfor processing technique selection criteria stored in memory integratedinto a cartridge to select the image enhancement technique.
 31. Themedium of claim 27, wherein the instructions for selecting compriseinstructions for: choosing a template set according to a value of thestate variable and choosing an image enhancement technique identified bythe chosen template set.
 32. The medium of claim 27, having furtherinstructions for monitoring the state of the printing component andupdating the state variable.
 33. The medium of claim 27, wherein: theinstructions for obtaining a state variable comprise instructions forobtaining a plurality of state variables each reflecting the state of aprinting component; and the instructions for selecting an imageenhancement technique comprise instructions for selecting an imageenhancement technique according to the obtained state variables.
 34. Themedium of claim 33, wherein the instructions for selecting an imageenhancement technique comprise instructions for selecting a set of imageenhancement techniques according to the obtained state variables. 35.The medium of claim 27, wherein the instructions for obtaining a statevariable comprise instructions for obtaining a state variable from amemory integrated into a cartridge, wherein the state variable reflectsthe state of a printing component supplied by the cartridge, the mediumhaving further instructions for monitoring the state of the printingcomponent in order to update the state variable.
 36. A computer readablemedium for use by an image forming device with a removable cartridgehousing a memory, the medium having instructions for: monitoring thestate of printing components for the image forming device; updating oneor more state variables in the memory to reflect the monitored state orstates of one or more of the printing components; and selecting a set ofimage enhancement techniques according to the state variables.
 37. Themedium of claim 36, wherein the instructions for selecting includeinstruction for: obtaining technique selection criteria from the memory;and processing the technique selection criteria to select the set atemplate set.
 38. A system for selecting an image enhancement techniquefor an image forming device, comprising: a memory formatted to store astate variable reflecting a state of a printing component; and techniqueselection logic capable of obtaining the state variable and selecting animage enhancement technique according to the obtained state variable.39. The system of claim 38, wherein the technique selection logic iscapable selecting an image enhancement technique by selecting aparameter for implementing the image enhancement technique.
 40. Thesystem of claim 38, wherein the technique selection logic is capable ofselecting an image enhancement technique by selecting a template setthat identifies the image enhancement technique.
 41. The system of claim38, wherein: the memory is programmed with template set selection logic;and the technique selection logic is capable of processing the techniqueselection criteria to select an image enhancement technique.
 42. Thesystem of claim 38, further comprising a state monitor capable ofmonitoring the state of the printing component and updating the statevariable in the memory according to the monitored state.
 43. The systemof claim 38, wherein: the memory is formatted to store a plurality ofstate variables each reflecting a state of the printing component; andthe technique selection logic is capable of obtaining one or more of thestate variables and selecting an image enhancement technique accordingto the state variable or variables obtained.
 44. The system of claim 43,wherein the technique selection logic is capable of selecting a set ofimage enhancement techniques according to the obtained state variables.45. The system of claim 38, wherein the memory is integrated into areplaceable cartridge for the image forming device.
 46. A system forprinting using a selected image enhancement technique, comprising: acartridge having a printing component and a memory, the memory beingprogrammed with technique selection criteria and formatted to a storestate variable reflecting a state of the printing component; a statemonitor capable of a state of the printing component and updating thestate variable in the memory according to the monitored state; techniqueselection logic capable of obtaining the state variable from thecartridge, processing the technique selection criteria using the statevariable in order to identify an image enhancement technique; andtechnique execution logic capable of implementing the identified imageenhancement technique; and printing logic capable of directing theprinting components to generate printed output enhanced by the imageenhancement technique.
 47. A system for selecting image enhancementtechniques, comprising: a cartridge having printing components and ameans for storing state variables each reflecting a state of one or moreof the printing components; a means for monitoring states of theprinting components; a means for updating the state variables to reflectthe monitored states; a means for obtaining the state variables andselecting a set of image enhancement techniques according to theobtained state variables; and a means for implementing the selected setof image enhancement techniques; and a means for directing the printingcomponents to generate printed output enhanced by the selected set ofimage enhancement techniques.